On the morning of November 5th, 2008, Europe
and the wider world sat in collective anticipation that the
election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United
States would end what they had perceived as a counterproductive
foreign policy stance of isolation and interventionism. Enthusiasm
for this new administration is widespread and the expectations
for its positive engagement with the world are high. Many anticipate
a revival of transatlantic bonds and closer cooperation between
Europe and the United States in international affairs. Indeed,
the first signs from the new US administration are encouraging.
The closure of Guantanamo Bay and the renouncement of torture,
as well as the promise of greater international cooperation
have all been welcomed in Europe. Does this mean an end to
transatlantic friction? What can Europe expect from the new
US administration in office? And what can the US expect from
the current generation of European leaders? Will the world
witness a renewal of the transatlantic bargain? And will the
allies be able to provide a common solution to current international
problems from the financial crisis to Afghanistan? This brief
will consider some of these issues and will set the tone for
this
series of briefs on transatlantic relations.